Protective football equipment apparatus with alternative tackling element

ABSTRACT

An apparatus provides for a modified form of tackling in American football. A handle may be coupled to an article of protective equipment worn by players. The handle may project outwardly from the player and defenders may “tackle” a ball carrier by grabbing onto one or more of the handles present on the ball carrier&#39;s equipment, the grasping of which may be considered ending the play and the ball carrier&#39;s progress may be terminated. In this way, players may still learn to execute the fundamentals for tackling while the ball carrier is protected from high impact hits to the head or body. The ball carrier may also be protected from injuries that occur from being thrown to the ground since the use of handles may obviate the need for the ball carrier to be down by contact with the ground.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

None.

FIELD

The subject disclosure relates to sporting goods, and more particularly,to a protective football equipment apparatus with an alternativetackling element.

BACKGROUND

American football is considered a direct contact sport. In conventionaltackling, a defender is required to impact and/or grab the ball carrierby direct contact and force the ball carrier to the ground to end theball carrier's progress. As a result, it is commonly said amongst thosewho participate in football that it is not a question of whether onewill get hurt but inevitably when one gets hurt. While the game hasevolved to include more and more protection to the player, the mindsetfor playing has gene went away from how to keep players safe and healthyto how to best use equipment to inflict more impact on an opposingplayer. Where the game originally had players tackle other players in arugby style (grab and pull down), the equipment became a teaching pointfor use in tackling. For example, helmets meant to protect impact to thehead, were (and still are) taught to be used to ram or spear an opposingplayer. While there is a movement away from this style of teaching withmore rules meant to punish a player using equipment to collide withother players, the rules do not prevent the act of impacting anotherplayer. The underlying basis for a tackle remains the same which is toknock the opposing players off their feet and make contact with theground, and therefore inherently perpetuates and rewards as much impactas possible as this leads to highest rate of success in tackling theball carrier. To this end, players for the most part still often usetheir equipment to hit the other player. In addition, even within therules, the conventional form of tackling results in many injuries ateach age level. The equipment is used as a buffer or armor encouragingplayers to inflict as much impact on each other as possible with theequipment absorbing some of the blow. The result is a lack of propertackling fundamentals and serious injuries. While head injuriessometimes occur from head-to-head contact, head injuries and injuries toother parts of the body (for example, broken collar bones, arms, legs,and sprained joints) occur from impact with other parts of the ballcarrier's body as well as the ground.

As can be seen, there is a need for a modified piece of equipment forAmerican football which provides a safer alternative form of tackling.

SUMMARY

In one aspect of the disclosure, an apparatus for modified tackling in agame of football is disclosed. The apparatus comprises: an article ofprotective equipment configured to be worn by a user during the game offootball; and a handle coupled to the article of protective equipment,wherein the handle projects outwardly from the article of protectiveequipment.

In another aspect, an apparatus for modified tackling in a game offootball is disclosed which comprises a pair of football shoulder padsconfigured to be worn by a user during the game of football and aplurality of handles coupled to the pair of football shoulder pads,wherein each handle of the plurality of handles project outwardly fromthe pair of football shoulder pads.

In still yet another aspect, an apparatus comprises an article ofprotective equipment configured to be worn by a user during the game offootball, including: a pair of football shoulder pads, a sternum plate,a spine plate, and a rib protector pad; and a plurality of handlescoupled to the article of protective equipment, wherein a respectivehandle from the plurality of handles is coupled to: a respectiveshoulder pad of the pair of football shoulder pads, a respective leftside section and right side section of the rib protector pad, thesternum plate, and the spine plate. Each respective handle of theplurality of handles project outwardly from the respective shoulder padof the pair of football shoulder pads, the respective left side sectionand right side section of the rib protector pad, the sternum plate, andthe spine plate.

It is understood that other configurations of the subject technologywill become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from thefollowing detailed description, wherein various configurations of thesubject technology are shown and described by way of illustration. Aswill be realized, the subject technology is capable of other anddifferent configurations and its several details are capable ofmodification in various other respects, all without departing from thescope of the subject technology. Accordingly, the drawings and detaileddescription are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not asrestrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view of an apparatus for modified tackling in a gameof football in accordance with an aspect of the subject technology.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 with a jerseyoutfitted over the apparatus and handles projecting through the jerseyin accordance with embodiments.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the apparatus in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective front view of the apparatus of FIG. 1and in particular, a sternum plate with a handle according to anembodiment.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged rear view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 and inparticular, a spine plate with a handle according to an embodiment.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged front perspective view of a shoulder pad andhandle in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view of a handle including a buckle systemfor coupling to the apparatus of FIG. 1, in an unbuckled state inaccordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view of the handle of FIG. 7 in a buckledstate.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The detailed description set forth below is intended as a description ofvarious configurations of the subject technology and is not intended torepresent the only configurations in which the subject technology may bepracticed. The appended drawings are incorporated herein and constitutea part of the detailed description. The detailed description includesspecific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understandingof the subject technology. However, it will be apparent to those skilledin the art that the subject technology may be practiced without thesespecific details. Like or similar components are labeled with identicalelement numbers for ease of understanding.

In general, exemplary embodiments of the subject technology provide anapparatus for modified tackling in a game of football. As will beappreciated, embodiments described herein may be used in a game ofAmerican football with modified rules for tackling. Aspects of theapparatus may provide a safer way of tackling a ball carrier that avoidsthe high impact and helmet to helmet collisions allowed underconventional football tackling.

Referring to FIGS. 1-6, in an exemplary embodiment, an apparatus 100 formodified tackling in a game of football is shown according to anexemplary embodiment. The apparatus 100 generally includes an article ofprotective equipment 110 and a handle element 150 or grip that projectsoutwardly from the article of equipment 110. In some embodiments, thearticle of protective equipment 110 may refer to the entire set ofprotective equipment that is generally worn by a football player under ajersey 105 (for example, as shown in FIG. 2-3). In one aspect, theapparatus 100 may be configured so that the article of protectiveequipment 110 remains hidden under for example, the jersey 105 and thehandle 150 projects outwardly (or approximately orthogonally) from thearticle of protective equipment 110 through openings in the jersey 105.Generally speaking, the apparatus 100 may be worn below the neck topromote a safer form of tackling.

In an exemplary use embodiment, the game of football may be played undermost standard rules with the use of the apparatus 100 except for theaspect of tackling. In a modified version of football, tackling may beperformed by a player grasping one or more handles 150 worn by the ballcarrier. When a defender is able to grab a handle 150, the ballcarrier's progress or general movement may be considered down and theball dead on the spot. The rules may vary between grabbing one, two, ormore handles 150 for the ball carrier to be considered down. In thismanner, it may be appreciated that the apparatus 100 provides analternative form of tackling that may be beneficial for those playerstransitioning into full contact football. The modified form of tacklingby grabbing the handle(s) 150 encourages players to align themselveswith a ball carrier and rely on using their hands to execute a proper“tackle” by grabbing a handle(s) 150. To couple the article ofprotective equipment 110 with an exposed handle 150 should be consideredan unexpected combination of elements since conventional footballequipment minimizes the surfaces that one should be able to grasp whichby design is meant to have one wrap a ball carrier up with their armsand hands or knock the ball carrier to the ground rather than bygrabbing equipment. Unfortunately, conventional football tackling hasevolved into recklessly throwing one's body at the ball carrier. Inaddition, conventional football tackling has encouraged players to usethe helmet as a weapon by leading with the head. This kind ofprogression has led to consistently growing head injuries, both in theshort term and long term. It should be appreciated then, that aspects ofthe apparatus 100 mitigate the chances for injury associated with head(and in some instances, leg tackling) by forcing players to perform alegal tackle by grabbing handles 150 that are on or proximate the ballcarrier's torso. Moreover, it should be appreciated that by havingplayers grab the handles 150, some versions of the game may prohibitbringing the ball carrier to the ground which may prevent injuries dueto the rough impact generally associated with conventional tackling.

Sometimes, as is used in the industry, the article of protectiveequipment 110 worn by players is a set of protective pieces which may becolloquially referred to as “shoulder pads” even though the equipmentmay extend beyond the shoulders. However, in some embodiments, thearticle of protective equipment 110 may refer to individual sections orpieces of protective equipment worn around the torso of a person. Forexample, the article of protective equipment 110 may comprise one ormore of a pair of shoulder pads 115, rib protectors 125, (which in someembodiments may include or be integrated with hip pads), chest plates135, back plates 145 (see FIG. 5), a sternum pad or plate 155, or aspine pad or plate 165 (FIG. 5). Any or all of these sections ofprotective equipment may be designated as predetermined locations forthe attachment of a handle 150. In some instances, it will be understoodthat there may a right hand side and left hand side of the equipment.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 4-8, the handles 150 may be coupled to anyone or more of these individual section/pieces of the article ofprotective equipment 110. When attached, the handle 150 may form a loopbetween two attachment points on the article of protective equipment 110so that a space is defined through which a player's hand may enter towrap itself around the handle 150. In some embodiments, the handle 150may include a textured grip surface 175 to promote increased frictionand hold. See FIGS. 7 and 8. The attachment points may couple a firstend and a second end of the handle 150 to the section or sections of thearticle of protective equipment 110. For example, handles on theshoulder pads 115 may have one end of the handle 150 attached to theshoulder pad 115 and the other end attached to a collar portion of thechest plate 135 (see FIG. 1). In other sections, the handle 150 may beattached to a single piece (for example, both attachment points are onthe sternum pad 155 or on the spine pad 165) (see FIGS. 4 and 5).

In some embodiments, the handles 150 may be permanently affixed to itsattachment points/piece of protective equipment using for examplescrews, grommets or bolts (see FIGS. 4-6) or may be detachably coupled.In embodiments with detachable handles 150, the types of fasteners mayinclude for example, snaps, buttons, hook and loop systems, and bucklesystems. FIGS. 7 and 8 show an embodiment of a detachable handle 150which may be useful for retrofitting existing articles of protectiveequipment. The handle 150 may be attached to a strap 170. The ends ofthe strap 170 may include a buckle system (sometimes referred to as apush-in fastener or clip) comprising a male clip 165 configured forlocking into a female receptacle 160. In this type of embodiment, thehandle 150 may be looped around a section of the protective equipmentand locked into place during use.

It should be appreciated that the aspects of the subject technologydescribed above may be beneficial at least for youth players in teachingproper tackling technique (consistent with the “Head's Up” movement infootball) while protecting players from the injuries associated withimpact from other players and the ground. The helmet returns to beingused as a piece of protective equipment rather than as an aid to tackle.The breaking of bones and injuries to knees may be obviated by forcingplayers to grab the handles rather than force the ball carrier to theground by contact. While useful especially for youth sports, it shouldbe understood that aspects of the subject technology may be used byadults as well should the game of football continue to look for ways toprotect player health and safety.

Those of skill in the art would appreciate that various components andblocks may be arranged differently (e.g., arranged in a different order,or partitioned in a different way) all without departing from the scopeof the subject technology.

The previous description is provided to enable any person skilled in theart to practice the various aspects described herein. The previousdescription provides various examples of the subject technology, and thesubject technology is not limited to these examples. Variousmodifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilledin the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied toother aspects. Thus, the claims are not intended to be limited to theaspects shown herein, but is to be accorded the full scope consistentwith the language claims, wherein reference to an element in thesingular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless specificallyso stated, but rather “one or more.” Unless specifically statedotherwise, the term “some” refers to one or more. Pronouns in themasculine (e.g., his) include the feminine and neuter gender (e.g., herand its) and vice versa. Headings and subheadings, if any, are used forconvenience only and do not limit the invention.

Terms such as “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “rear,” “above,” “below” and thelike as used in this disclosure should be understood as referring to anarbitrary frame of reference, rather than to the ordinary gravitationalframe of reference. Thus, a top surface, a bottom surface, a frontsurface, and a rear surface may extend upwardly, downwardly, diagonally,or horizontally in a gravitational frame of reference. Similarly, anitem disposed above another item may be located above or below the otheritem along a vertical, horizontal or diagonal direction; and an itemdisposed below another item may be located below or above the other itemalong a vertical, horizontal or diagonal direction.

A phrase such as an “aspect” does not imply that such aspect isessential to the subject technology or that such aspect applies to allconfigurations of the subject technology. A disclosure relating to anaspect may apply to all configurations, or one or more configurations.An aspect may provide one or more examples. A phrase such as an aspectmay refer to one or more aspects and vice versa. A phrase such as an“embodiment” does not imply that such embodiment is essential to thesubject technology or that such embodiment applies to all configurationsof the subject technology. A disclosure relating to an embodiment mayapply to all embodiments, or one or more embodiments. An embodiment mayprovide one or more examples. A phrase such an embodiment may refer toone or more embodiments and vice versa. A phrase such as a“configuration” does not imply that such configuration is essential tothe subject technology or that such configuration applies to allconfigurations of the subject technology. A disclosure relating to aconfiguration may apply to all configurations, or one or moreconfigurations. A configuration may provide one or more examples. Aphrase such a configuration may refer to one or more configurations andvice versa.

The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example orillustration.” Any aspect or design described herein as “exemplary” isnot necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over otheraspects or designs.

All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the variousaspects described throughout this disclosure that are known or latercome to be known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expresslyincorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed bythe claims. Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to bededicated to the public regardless of whether such disclosure isexplicitly recited in the claims. No claim element is to be construedunder the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112, sixth paragraph, unless theelement is expressly recited using the phrase “means for” or, in thecase of a method claim, the element is recited using the phrase “stepfor.” Furthermore, to the extent that the term “include,” “have,” or thelike is used in the description or the claims, such term is intended tobe inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprise” as “comprise” isinterpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for modified tackling in a game offootball, comprising: an article of protective equipment configured tobe worn by a user during the game of football; and a handle coupled tothe article of protective equipment, wherein the handle projectsoutwardly from the article of protective equipment.
 2. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the handle is coupled to a predetermined location ofthe article of protective equipment.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the handle is affixed to the article of protective equipment. 4.The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the handle is detachably coupled tothe article of protective equipment.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the article of protective equipment is configured to be wornbelow a neck of the user.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein thearticle of protective equipment is a sternum plate.
 7. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the article of protective equipment is a shoulder pad.8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the article of protective equipmentis a hip pad.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the article ofprotective equipment is a spine plate.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1,further comprising two attachment points on the article of protectiveequipment, wherein the attachment points are configured to couple afirst end and a second end of the handle.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1,further comprising a fastener attached to the handle or to the articleof protective equipment, wherein the handle is coupled to the article orprotective equipment via the fastener.
 12. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the handle defines an enclosed loop between two attachmentpoints on the article of protective equipment, wherein the handle isdisposed to be grasped by a hand wrapping around the handle through theloop.
 13. An apparatus for modified tackling in a game of football,comprising: a pair of football shoulder pads configured to be worn by auser during the game of football; and a plurality of handles coupled tothe pair of football shoulder pads, wherein each handle of the pluralityof handles project outwardly from the pair of football shoulder pads.14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the plurality of handles includespairs of handles positioned on opposite sides of the pair of footballshoulder pads.
 15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the pairs ofhandles are positioned on a right side shoulder section and on a leftside shoulder section of the pair of football shoulder pads.
 16. Theapparatus of claim 14, wherein the pairs of handles are positioned on aright side rib section and on a left side rib section of the pair offootball shoulder pads.
 17. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the pairsof handles are positioned on a sternum side section and on a spine sidesection of the pair of football shoulder pads.
 18. An apparatus formodified tackling in a game of football, comprising: an article ofprotective equipment configured to be worn by a user during the game offootball, including: a pair of football shoulder pads, a sternum plate,a spine plate, and a rib protector pad; and a plurality of handlescoupled to the article of protective equipment, wherein a respectivehandle from the plurality of handles is coupled to: a respectiveshoulder pad of the pair of football shoulder pads, a respective leftside section and right side section of the rib protector pad, thesternum plate, and the spine plate, and wherein each respective handleof the plurality of handles project outwardly from the respectiveshoulder pad of the pair of football shoulder pads, the respective leftside section and right side section of the rib protector pad, thesternum plate, and the spine plate.
 19. The apparatus of claim 18,wherein each respective handle is detachably coupled to the article ofprotective equipment.
 20. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein eachrespective handle defines an enclosed loop between two attachment pointson the article of protective equipment, wherein each respective handleis disposed to be grasped by a hand wrapping around the handle throughthe loop.